The 20-year-old Thai Kaensa (19-1, 7 KO's), a former world title challenger, is favorite to retain for the third time his Asian title, though the 23 year-old Filipino Abcede (15-8, 10 KO's) has good boxing skills from his southpaw stance, is well-motivated, and commands acceptable punching power in both hands.

"It will be an exciting fight as Abcede moves well and can counter effective with his left. Stamp (Kaensa) fights the typical dangerous come-forward Thai style. It's a good chance for Abcede to break into the world-rankings," commented Filipino matchmaker Brico Santig winner of this year's WBC Oriental Promoter of the Year Award.

Present during the official weigh-in was the supervisor for WBA Asia Won Kim of South Korea.